Launch of new benefits for Mineworkers Union of Namibia members

The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN), through NamIt, introduces new products for its members. “At the MUN, we always put the needs of Namibian workers as our motivation. This does not only mean favourable working conditions, but we also want miners to benefit beyond their employable years” said Mr. Ismael Kasuta, President of the MUN. The products, introduced of the MUN Indaba in Swakopmund, encompass the education, employment and legal needs of miners. Along with NAMITVEST, which allows miners, ex miners and their descendents to invest in stocks, these products provide unparraled benefits to members.

1. The NAMIT Education Fund is an initiative aimed at assisting the dependents of MUN members and ex-members pursue higher education courses at universities, vocational training colleges or other educational institutions within Namibia. Applications opened on 01 November 2023 and will be ongoing until 15 Jan 2024. “We subscribe to the often repeated mantra of the late and Great Dr. Abraham Iyambo who said: ‘Education is the greatest equalizer’. We are proud that we can help our members and their descendents to take the first step on the journey that will lead them to a better life” said Mr. Kasuto “We look forward to sharing the impact of this fund with you all, in the near future”

2. The NAMIT SME Fund was established to respond to the need to strengthen the economic activities of MUN members and their descendents. Through this vehicle, MSMEs owned by registered members, registered ex-members as of 01 June 2020 and their dependents, with purchase order or approved invoice can apply for up to N$ 150,000. These funds can be paid back in 3 months. The NAMIT SME Fund is managed by Bellatrix Investment Managers. “Some of the commodities that are mined are highly volatile with prices easily influenced by circumstances beyond our control” said Mr. George Ampweya, General Secretary of MUN, “For this reason, the MUN wants its members to have a strong footing in the economic sector. Often access to a line of credit is the difference between taking the next step and a MSME failing. With this Fund, we are giving a vote of confidence in our members.”

3. The NAMIT Legal Plan gives registered MUN members, ex members and their descendents access to legal services. The MUN is the first Union in Namibia, if not the entire SADC region, to take out full legal cover for its members. The succesful launch was attended by the MUN leadership from different parts of Namibia, NAMIT management and Mr. David Klark, a member of the Legalwise technical partners from Cape Town, South Africa.

All three benefit programs are already active and members may access them. In the waning days of 2023, the MUN members, ex members and descendents may look forward to a wonderful 2024. The MUN is proud to always put the needs of its members first and provide innovative tailor-made products for their benefit. Earlier in 2023, MUN also introduced a dedicated Women’s Desk. In addition the MUN also boasts the only way for miners to invest in stocks, by bying units in NAMITVEST.

The MUN will continue to make enhancements to these offerings, while creating new services as the needs arise. All members are encouraged to contact NAMIT on 061 261 723 or penny@mun-na. com for more information. Dear esteemed colleagues in the media, kindly note that the brochures on the different products will be shared with you as part of this Press Release. Information about the products will also be available on the MUN Social Media platforms. For media related questions and requests for interviews, please contact Mr. Leitago / Narib on 0813632712 and leitago@leitagodigital.com.